Sidewalks On The Corner

If you ever wonder what it is like to be Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, or Triple H, then “THE WRESTLER” may be the movie for you.

Follow up:

THE WRESTLER
Fox Searchlight Pictures
MPAA Rating: R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use.
Run Time: 105 Minutes
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Written by: Robert Siegel
Produced by: Scott Franklin, Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei & Evan Rachel Wood

Studio Synopsis:
Back in the late ‘80s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey.

Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life -- trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a blossoming romance with an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei) who is ready to start a new life. Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy “The Ram” back into his world of wrestling.

Director Darren Aronofsky presents a powerful portrait of a battered dreamer, who despite himself and the odds stacked against him, lives to be a hero once again in the only place he considers home – inside the ring.

THE WRESTLER had its North American premiere at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival and won the Golden Lion at the 2008 Venice Film Festival.

Marisa Tomei and Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler."
Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise

Richard's Take:
Distributed by Fox Searchlight, the independently-produced film follows Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a long-time professional wrestler, who’s now middle-aged and alone. While trying to continue and make income in the wrestling world in small, independent and semi-pro matches, the documentary-styled film also shows Robinson’s personal life out of the ring: trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and starting a potential relationship with an aging stripper (Marisa Tomei).

For wrestling fans that are glued to the TV on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights, as well as weekends for pay-per-views (did I get it all?), this film may be the closest thing to a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at a wrestling showcase. Set in the independent level, the story shows how the wrestlers prepare for matches and what they may go through following a match. At a special screening where director Darren Aronofsky and Tomei were present, Arnofsky stated that the former wrestling great, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, saw an advance screening of the film, which brought him to tears for its accurate portrayal of wrestlers and their preparation.

According to the director, the wrestling scenes were shot at actual wrestling matches (before and after) at Alhambra Arena in Philadelphia. Several professional wrestlers on the independent front appeared, including The Blue Meanie, Perry Saturn, and Necro Butcher.

The biggest surprise in the film was Rourke, who I wouldn’t recognize if I was standing next to him. Although he was a boxer in his early years, Rourke trained for six months to get himself into shape at 235 for the role. To me, he looks like a carbon copy image of the size and shape of Hulk Hogan. Rourke was very convincing in the role. He appeared in many of the scenes doing his own stunts, as well as improvised segments such as “the walk-in” during his character’s entrance to the ring. Besides Rourke, the other actors were able to improvise in their scenes.

Evan Rachel Wood as Stephanie.
Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise

Another highlight was the performance of Wood, who did an exceptional job in playing his daughter. Although she was only in a few scenes, her moments with Rourke truly hit the mark as they were believable as alienated father and daughter who haven’t seen each other in a long time.

When I talked about Tomei’s performance, most people can only mention how incredible her body looks at age 44. Although she did an illustrious job as a stripper in her scenes, Tomei’s Cassidy doesn’t get the same impact as Rourke’s Robinson. Her character only got a few moments out of the strip joint. I didn’t feel much about the budding relationship for Robinson and Cassidy in the film; it felt forced because she was the only woman he talked to (excluding the girl he met at a bar), and I guess he needed a love interest. The part the “My Cousin Vinny” actress does get is sort of a parallel story to the lead character. They both are older and trying to make a living in their separate gender worlds. Tomei could have starred in her own film about an aging stripper, which could have worked (“The Stripper”).

There are moments in the film that are very realistic, including the matches in the ring. Some of the women (and some men) I was sitting near had a hard time watching some of the action, including the hardcore match with “The Ram” where he fought with ladders and spikes. If you don’t like the sight of blood, then the film will make you feel queasy.

If you were never a wrestling fan, “The Wrestler” should give you an appreciation of the extremely violent sport and what the players may go through each week. Even though I brought up more about the wrestling focus in this review, there are other dramatic moments in the film, including the daughter’s feelings about her dad and Robinson taking odd jobs, which kept the film moving. The movie is basically a sad film, but you will be invested into the story and amazed by strong performances by Rourke and Wood.

“The Wrestler” will likely be remembered as one of the leading sports-theme films, such as “Raging Bull” and “The Champ.”

Maaika's Two Cents:
This movie is a shining example of the fact that you don't need big budgets to create a masterpiece. He's back; Mickey Rourke performance is riviting and will most definitely put him on the map as one of the great actors of our day. "The Wrestler" will surely body slam its way to your heart this season.